Microwave surgical treatment of diseases of prostate.

A new transurethral probe for microwave radiation of the prostate has been developed. As a preliminary experiment, sliced ham was radiated with microwaves using this probe in order to evaluate the extent of thermal effect. Using mongrel male dogs, microwave coagulation of the prostate was examined. These animal experiments showed marked destruction of the prostate gland. Furthermore, the safety of this method was confirmed on the basis of results from the experiments. Prostatic bladder neck obstruction also has been treated in 6 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy or carcinoma of the prostate by this technique. There has been no mortality and also no complications. The results of this preliminary clinical trial have been excellent.